fundamental duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental duty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a basic or essential responsibility that one is expected to fulfill. Example: "As citizens, it is our fundamental duty to uphold the laws of our country and contribute to the welfare of our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Making contact with electors and listening to their concerns is a fundamental duty for Labour.

The Guardian

Protecting one's child from harm must be the fundamental duty of every parent.

The Guardian

He had looked appropriately anachronistic in an era when covering receivers is a fundamental duty for a linebacker.

The New York Times - Sports

"Ernst & Young and its partners on the Bally engagement violated their fundamental duty to function as public watchdogs," he added.

The New York Times

"MY fundamental duty is not to cling to public offices, still less to obstruct the advance of younger people, but to contribute experience and ideas".

The Economist

"These concerns are not just legitimate – they are right, and it is a fundamental duty of every mainstream politician to address them".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

She later told a congressional subcommittee: The most fundamental duties of a director — the duties of deliberation and candor — rely entirely upon the absolute trust that each director must have in one another's confi-dentiality.

The New Yorker

She later told a congressional subcommittee: The most fundamental duties of a director — the duties of deliberation and candor — rely entirely upon the absolute trust that each director must have in one another's confidentiality.

The New Yorker

It is about asking what the content of these fundamental duties will be in the 21st century governance environment – and about ensuring directors are in position to discharge them.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't think it's unreasonable to conclude that as some journalists ascend professionally, they become enchanted by the powerful people they cover, losing sight of their fundamental duties to their employers and their readers.

The New York Times

In its ruling on the Andrews case, the court of special appeals noted that "such an extensive prohibition on the disclosure of information to the court … prevents the court from exercising its fundamental duties under the constitution".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives like "core responsibility" or "essential obligation" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental duty" to describe tasks that are merely preferences or best practices. Reserve this phrase for obligations that are essential and non-negotiable within a given context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental duty" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes a core, essential obligation or responsibility. As Ludwig AI indicates, it refers to a basic or essential responsibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental duty" signifies a core, essential responsibility. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriately emphasizes a basic or essential responsibility. While alternatives like "basic responsibility" or "core obligation" exist, "fundamental duty" is valuable in contexts requiring emphasis on essential, non-negotiable responsibilities. It's important to define the scope of the duty and avoid overstating its applicability to tasks that aren't truly essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic responsibility

Replaces "duty" with "responsibility" highlighting the aspect of being accountable.

core obligation

Substitutes "duty" with "obligation" emphasizing a binding requirement.

essential task

Replaces "duty" with "task", focusing on the action-oriented aspect.

primary responsibility

Replaces "fundamental" with "primary", stressing the importance of the responsibility.

chief responsibility

Replaces "fundamental" with "chief", highlighting the foremost responsibility.

key obligation

Substitutes "duty" with "obligation" and emphasizes the importance of the obligation.

main responsibility

Replaces "fundamental" with "main", emphasizing that it is the principal responsibility.

basic requirement

Replaces "duty" with "requirement", focusing on what is needed or expected.

central obligation

Substitutes "duty" with "obligation" emphasizing the central or core nature of the obligation.

indispensable obligation

Substitutes "fundamental" with "indispensable" emphasizing that it is essential or critical.

FAQs

What does "fundamental duty" mean?

The term "fundamental duty" refers to a core, essential, or basic responsibility that is expected of someone in a particular role, position, or situation.

How can I use "fundamental duty" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamental duty" to emphasize the importance of a specific obligation. For example, "It is the government's "fundamental duty" to protect its citizens".

What are some alternatives to "fundamental duty"?

Some alternatives include "basic responsibility", "core obligation", or "essential task". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "fundamental duty" the same as "legal obligation"?

While a "fundamental duty" can sometimes be a "legal obligation", it doesn't always have to be. A fundamental duty can also be a moral or ethical responsibility that is not necessarily enforced by law.